The Gift of Stones

Sighthoundlady's picture






Two new lives stir.



Two hearts beat.



Magic grows with them.



White magic.



Pure Creation Magic.




Welling up, bursting forth, and flowing easily like the wind, like the breath of the earth, like the rain from the sky and like lava from the earth.




A little black doe, with vibrant markings and colorful plumage crowning her head is the vessel and the wielder.



But she needs help. The lives are yet so fragile. Such tenuous things.



She must protect them. And the place they are to be born. So they can come into the world and start their own destinies.



A flowered glade will be their birthplace. The protection of a mother. Of a father. Of a son. And of friends. It will secure this place against evils. Against ill wishes. And let in only the light. The good.



Protection embodied in stones, given freely and with good will, will secure and anchor the love of this place.



Stones are needed.



Are you a friend? A well wisher?


Can you bring to the little doe a stone? Something precious. Something wrought from the Earth, formed in her womb by time and fire, something that embodies her powers of creation and birth?


Stones.



[Community involvement is very much welcome here. I invite your characters to present a stone to Herla to be used in the warding of the birth place of her fawns. You are welcome to do this through writing, art, screenshots, photos…however you’d like to do it.

Some examples of “stones” are precious and semi precious stones such as Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Turquoise, Quartz, Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli, Jasper and Opal. Other rocks such as granite, obsidian and flint are wonderful as well. This is by no means an all inclusive list. You are invited to choose a stone with meaning to yourself or your character. I invite creativity, feel free to think out side the box. Maybe you've a gift of another sort in mind? Nothing is set in *stone* as it were. So have fun with it.]

Starling's picture

Lovely! ♥ Can we

Lovely! ♥

Can we still interact if our characters do not know Herla? Just a friendly stranger wanting to help out...
Salome's picture

/self reminder for later !

/self reminder for later !
Sighthoundlady's picture

Yes Starling, that is alright

Yes Starling, that is alright too!

Schutzgeist <3
GlobalBeauty's picture

(A well-wisher) Stones.

(A well-wisher)

Stones.

The world around her seemed to whisper of them, and just because Jupiter sought one. Stones with soft moss, stones with no pollen at all, stones that appeared as milky as her eyes. All for the doe with three heart-beats inside of her. It was time enough to wish her well and luck with the new babes in her tummy.

Here.

A stone visible with a dusting of pollen, a milky stone she had recovered from her flower patch back when she could see. She always thought of it as lucky, for it was always there, a companion that she had told none of. She called it the "Blind Stone That Could See." It was as milky as a blind deer's eye, and yet held a millefiori of colors when placed in the sun. When wrapped in a bay leaf, the stone would help hide the babes from all those who would wish them ill. And so she did.

For You. And you. And you.

The doe gingerly passed through the forest, listening for the three-beats-as-one, bay leaf and stone in her mouth. Quickly enough she could make out the round form of Herla among the flowers, pollen and pictogram. "Miss Herla? For you and your babies, so that nobody may see them in ill light." The Song-Pitch voice carried on the wind nearly in the same instance the wrapped stone hit the ground a in front of the doe. Jupiter performed a sweeping bow, her hair pooling on the plants momentarily.

To keep you safe.

The blind doe smiled. "I hear their hearts beating... I am sure they will be beautiful... and I wish you and they happy lives together." And with that, she was gone as quietly and quickly as she came.
Siggies by Carry & Amazengalo

Tracking this for later.

Tracking this for later. ♥
quadraptor's picture

The blackbuck arrived, with a

The blackbuck arrived, with a stone in his mouth. He approached the doe and placed the fairly large stone before her, nudging it forward toward her.





He bows and smiles, "My gift to you is not just a rock, but a fossil. It is a special creature called a trilobite, that lived many years ago but sadly perished to the sands of time. The trilobite was a peaceful animal, it lived in the ocean and enjoyed it's life. When it was in danger, it could curl into a defensive position. It's back was tough, and it's eyes always pointed upward.

May you, your children, your family and friends, have the blessing of the trilobite. May you be shielded when danger comes, may you keep your eyes and mind high, and may you find solace and beauty in life.

And may you live and thrive for many generations, much like the humble trilobite."


Sighthoundlady's picture

Thank you GlobalBeauty and

Thank you GlobalBeauty and Quad for the lovely posts. I will be writing replies as I have time. Just wanted you to know it was much appreciated.

And Torturer, thanks for the track. ^_^
brocanna's picture

This is absolutely amazing

This is absolutely amazing and a really beautiful and creative idea.

I will do my best to find a proper gift, that Kaikias can give to guard the newborn - including all protection that he is able to give.

Mis's picture

Keeping an eye on this!

Keeping an eye on this! Loving the stories so far, and ofcourse the concept of this! ♥
Seed's picture

I'll have Seed give her one

I'll have Seed give her one with a poem or something later, so for now, Track.
Crowesie's picture

We do not know each other,


We do not know each other, although I have seen you around the forest many times.
I wish wellness and love upon your fawns in the form of rose quartz.

"'Welcome to the forest,'



"'Welcome to the forest,' says I, your temporary florist."
The fawn bows, while its adult companion prances around the miniature doe, shaking flowers off of its antlers and over her dark form.

"They say diamonds are forever, but do 'they' always endeavor?"
The deer moves in its circles, spiraling gradually outwards, until it is passing behind the surrounding trees.

"Whosoever wishes to search for desire, let them peacefully retire!"
The deer returns after some moments of hiding behind a tree, cavorting over to the black doe, dropping two gifts--one from the mouth and the other from the back--before it then stops to stand beside the fawn.

"You might not know our lot, but let these be our gifts of thought."
They wait patiently for acceptance or denial and then dismissal from the doe's presence.

"A pillow for you to rest your head, and a quilt for you to bed."
Their eyes rest between the doe and their gifts.

Track.

Track. <3
parrotsnpineapple's picture

She steps gently now, the





She steps gently now, the weary doe lowering her head. From the depths
of her essence there is a power that writhes inside her. In all of existence
there were only two of them. Two tears that the doe once wore. One was
broken whilst the other was absorbed. Only in this way did it survive.

In her an emotional surge spills forth. From her blue eye drips a pure tear
and with it a part of her, a part of Aton, with it, a part of her proud guardian
heritage. Would it be a ward? She could never know for sure.

The Navy pelted doe cried, she cried for the joy of birth. For the joys that
her pillar would become a father. She would cry in secret for a love she
would never know and something she would never have the chance to
experience; a child.

She walks away ever so silently now, but all that remains amongst the
ferns is a small blue gem that glows and pulses with an unknown power.
And maybe, just maybe it would be of some use, perhaps the child would
wear it? Perhaps not.



Apeldille's picture

Tracking this, will

Tracking this, will contribute later! :D

Spoilers's picture

Tracking this.

Tracking this. <3
Might think of something to give.
Anjali's picture

A silhouette, dark and slim


A silhouette, dark and slim against the shape of the trees. The musk of sage, the red-orange blood of poppies. The laughter of a few errant violets. The buck steps forward, and touches his flowered brow-tines to the earth in greeting.
A well-wisher.

He gingerly places something before the dark doe. Something grey, something green.



It is cool and rough. It smells of tiny leaves and rain.
"A stone from near the God's Hill," Anjali explains. "I asked the Gods to bless it, so that it might hold their benedictions." A shy smile, another bow, and he is soon gone.

The mossy rock remains, covered in soft jade. Nonlife giving rise to life, drinking in the air and sky.
A little world in a stone.
WonderfullySarcastic's picture

A track for now.

A track for now.
#1354
.
Jalini's picture

This is such an awesome idea.

This is such an awesome idea. :3
WonderfullySarcastic's picture

A small doe cautiously steps

A small doe cautiously steps forth from behind a tree, her ears swiveling around as she listened to the distant foot falls of the departing deer before her. Stepping ever closer, Isaita bowed her head to place a small object she'd carried in her mouth before the mother-to-be. The small, irregular item is wrapped in drying reeds from the pond, a tiny water lily intricately tied to the top of the package.
"Miss Herla," she quietly speaks- a question, a confirmation and a greeting. "Miss Herla, I've heard from the whisperings around the forest that you were expecting babes." A smile touches her muzzle as she looks at the rounded belly of the doe. "They said that you were seeking protection- uh, help to keep your precious babes safe?" She hadn't meant it as a question, but she'd only heard through rumors and was uncertain of the details of the dark doe's wishes.
"It's... It's something I found while swimming one day." Nudging the small item forward, Isa worked corner of the hidden item into view. Glistening in the filtered light, the small rounded edge of a deep burgundy stone could be seen. A garnet.
"I wish you the best for you and your babes, Miss Herla."
#1354
.

Tracking. I do plan on doing

Tracking. I do plan on doing something for this, just not sure what media to use. ;;
Skitties's picture

(From my Hiroshi. This is

(From my Hiroshi. This is such a wonderful idea! I'm honored to get the chance to participate.)

The small blue furred oryx, still but a child himself, approached the patch of flowers with two small stones in his mouth. There was energy swirling around the place already, warm and bright and comforting. Deep within the fawn, he knew what would one day occur here already. The stones he brought had been a gift to him, but he knew they would be of more use to the growing family. So Hiroshi left a small amethyst and a small black onyx lying in the patch of flowers for the mother-to-be to find before slipping away, back to his own parents.

Signature by Roo ♥
Freyja's picture

The doe is visibly nervous

The doe is visibly nervous when she approuches, staring from side to side until finally daring to move forward on her speckled feet. In her mouth she holds something strange; sharp but finely edged, milky white and spotted. It falls to the ground with a soft thud as Sorrel drops it, ears reaching upright at that moment as if to search for something; she does not make eye contact with the smaller mother.

"I do not know what it is...but it is sharp, to protect. I found it in the flowers." With that, she hastily backs away before standing utterly still for a moment, pausing in the silence and contemplating the thought that all is safe. Then she nods to the pregnant doe, smiling; time to leave before the stag comes.

(( I was gonna do an image but stones are harder to draw then I thought! ))
Echosong's picture

Tracking to contribute later.

Tracking to contribute later.
Momochi's picture

(Such a sweet idea~ I kind of

(Such a sweet idea~ I kind of want to add a drawing for this, but for now...)

Ambrose quietly approached the resting doe, ears perked forward and tail swaying curoiously. He was not oblivious to the offerings the others had brought to her and felt he should add to those contributions. He glanced at her growing belly once he was close enough to see her clearly and quickly looked away; yes, this visit was one of generosity, not of curiosity. It was impolite to stare, even if he had seen no babes before their birth... Ambrose cleared his throat a bit and dropped a small object in front of Herla: a small jade pendant strung on a tarnished chain.

"I heard the murmurs," the pale fawn said quietly. He smiled. "I found this in the pond, in the mud...but I cleaned it! My mum had always told me that green stones brought luck, and good health. And then I heard those murmurs and I was going to keep the stone, but I thought that it could help you and your little ones more than it would me." He nudged the pendant closer to Herla and nuzzled her happily. Of course he took the chance to glance wide-eyed at her belly once more before plopping down amongst the flowers nearby. His ears twitched slightly; he could hear the three heartbeats within this little doe. It really was quite odd to him.

Ambrose stared for a few moments before speaking again. "You know, I don't know you well at all. But I think you'll be a lovely mum," he stated matter-of-factly with a wide smile. "Perhaps if I'm lucky I'll find two more pretty stones so that all of you may have one."
Phaios's picture

A brown and gray-furred doe

A brown and gray-furred doe approaches hesitantly, precious cargo clasped between her jaws. She'd seen Herla around and about and even sat in her company a time or two - with others - but she could hardly call the little doe more than a stranger. Still, when word had reached her about Herla's search for stones, she had felt compelled.
Laying a small, smooth stone before the other deer, Phaios explains herself:
"I know we are not familiar, but you were often in Eraline's company... This comes from beside where she rests. She would have wanted you to have one from her, I think."
Feeling her cheeks grow warm, she pauses a moment before continuing. "It's just an ordinary stone, really, but... It's the guardian of a memory, too. May it guard your family just as dearly."

Tracking~

Tracking~<3 Gotta figure out what my Willis can offer
Sighthoundlady's picture

Just wanted to say again that

Just wanted to say again that these are all very wonderful and I appreciate the contributions of everyone here. I am slowly working on replies. Thanks again to everyone.
Snowsauria's picture

There was many rumors and

There was many rumors and words that flowed through the forest at the moment. Rumors about something terrible threatening mothers and their children, of parents that had lost their children even before the child left the mother's womb. Illrose had yet to find out what this threat was, but it had caused her to become even more protective of all the fawns roaming the forest, in case this threat would go after any of them. And when she heard the little dark doe - Herla - was pregnant and in search for stones to use as protection, Illrose immediately decided she wanted to contribute, to help her with this. So Illrose had left the forest, and she had searched the mountain sides in the other world after a gemstone, until she had found a little black stone with a strange, blue shine to it. It was an obsidian, and what could possibly be a better gift from a dragon, than a stone produced in lava and fire?

Illrose had removed her skull mask and hid it away before she went to find the little doe. She had seen the doe several times, greeted her and her company every now and then, even been sitting near them once or twice, but she had never really spoken to any of them so she wanted to make sure they didn't believe she would be a threat to Herla and her unborn child. With the black stone held gently between her lips, she finally found the doe she was searching for. Illrose held her head low, and her steps were calm and surprisingly silent for such a large doe. When near enough, she dropped the gemstone to the ground, in front of Herla.
"Congratulations." The one word was accompanied by a warm smile and a nod, before Illrose turned and made her way back between the trees.

Through the forest a young

Through the forest a young doe traveled; with a gift. The pale green stone glinted softly in the light that filtered through the leaves of the trees. It was fragile, as vulnerable as the new life that was its own miracle. Her eyes glimmered with hope as she approached.
A well-wisher.
Sodesi walked slowly towards the other doe, her intentions showing in her expression. She set the stone down as gently as she could and stepped back to let the gift be looked over. It's cloudy depths reflected the light like a luminous beacon.
"A gift, for protection," she murmured, dipping her head respectfully to Herla. And it was a token of her blessings, from doe to doe.

A blue fawn -a fawn on the

A blue fawn -a fawn on the edge of adulthood- stood in a patch of purple flowers. The flowers swayed easily in the light breeze that swept down from the canopy of the trees. The fawn's yellow eyes glinted in the broken rays of moonlight that poked through the roof of pines. He sighed a heavy sigh. A sigh of heavy burden. He nosed throught the flowers to uncover his prize.

A small... thing... revealed itself from the nest of flowers. It glinted in the moon's pale light as Willis held it in his mouth. Its shape was jagged and rough. It was bumpy as his tonuge his the small object. He flicked his ears about, listening for the infamous Herla (hehe. David Clement-Davies ;3).

He found the little doe curled up, sleeping soundly. Her body rose up and down with her calm breaths. She looked peaceful. A tear spilled from Willis's eye as it reminded him of his own mother. He shook the thought away and puffed his chest out. His tail stood up and he walked confidently up to the doe.

He set his gift - the shard of and ancient meteor- next to the doe. He smiled lightly. He took a step back and closed his eyes. The fawn you call Willis, who hadn't spoken since his mother's death, sighed with mixed emotion.

"Herla," he whispered, "I bring you a gift from the stars. I hope to remind you that all of the deer that have met the stars, my mother included, will watch over you. They will protect you and your child. And it's children to come."

Willis opened his eyes and stepped backwards into the shadows, leaving the night silent once more.
BigBunny's picture

My gift to you is a rare

My gift to you is a rare healing and energy stone orb.

We Are Always Special When We Are With Friends.

Pegasicorn's picture

A river stone. Smoothed over


A river stone. Smoothed over time by the flow of water.
In enduring, its strength shined through.
Honeyfur's picture

Track for now until I can

Track for now until I can think of something ♥
PLK217's picture

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp It was always



    It was always unsure, what were Foxbrow's true intentions. Mostly because she herself din't know that too. The best way, how to describe her motivation would be, that she is simply selfish. She wouldn't admit it though, neither would anyone else, but the fact is, that whatever she does, she is doing it simply for it pleases her.

    Recently she gained another passion - the birth. Really hard to tell why she got so attached to this act of bringing a new life. But it is highly probable that it is for these two reasons:
    First - since she herself was never truly 'born', all of this is somehow fascinating for her. And also beyond her understandings, which irritates her and feeds her interest even more.
    Second - Fawns. It is no secret how she adores these little being around. It was always much more fun with them than with adults. And having fun, it is something like the meaning of whole Foxbrow's life.
    Oh, and there was also this funny part, when the ever so wary and protective fathers chased her away whenever she sneaked to their birthing does. Gods know how she likes chasing games, not even minding it is always she, who gets chased.

    In this Forest it is much harder not to know, which doe will have newborns. And now, when one of her friends, Umay, finally gave a birth to her fawn, Foxbrow took an interest in Herla. Actually, it was for something more than just the upcoming child. Herla reminds her of another doe she used to know and like very well.
She should take care that nothing bad would happen to her.
She should ensure herself that everything would be just fine.
She should...

"I should keep an eye on her."


    The idea she just got cast a grin on her face so broad, that the fawn she was dancing with meanwhile pondering Herla's pregnancy got scared and dashed away.
    Pity.

- - - - -

    Later in the night, Foxbrow went to the Pond and waited till everyone else would leave. She didn't want anyone to see her and she also needed the water to be as still as posible.
    Some says that our dreams only reflect our real lives. Well, Foxbrow really didn't know, who said that, but she she was very well aware of how thin and fragile is the fringe of what most inhabitants here would call Reality and how close it is to the world of Dreamlands. However, for her both of them were real enough to live in them.
    She never did this before and probably will never do this again even if she would succeeded. First she had to find the right position - standing at the shore, Foxbrow started that strange swaying dance. Suddenly she stopped, she finally found the perfect angle, where she stared right into the eyes of her mirror image, meanwhile the water illuminated her real face with the reflection of bright moonshine. Then she slowly lowered her head down to the water level, like if she wanted to drink from the pond. Her breath was held, she didn't want to disturb the water mirror in any way. Now her nose was almost touching the cold water and Foxbrow slowed down her motion. Then thin line between air and water bent under the weight of her head. Still peering into her own reflective eyes she could feel the cold spreading on her face. From the nose to her cheeks and eyebrows...

And then the line collapsed.


    Foxbrow quickly lifted her head and shook all the water from her in spouts of little drops. Looking in the Pond where was her image just a moment ago, she noticed a flash on the bottom. Curiously she poked into it and a round stone rolled onto the shore. She succeeded.

"Yessss...        ...ts - ts - ts - ts."


    She grabbed the stone and then the ginger doe disappeared to the night.

- - - - -

    Quiet gently steps, hooves walking through the fluffy moss slowly getting closer and closer to the sleeping doe. Nothing should alarm the sleeper for there was no threat for her. Foxbrow would never dare to disturb anyone's sleep. Laying down in the soft grass against the future mother, whose red eyes were closed in restful slumber, the green-eyed doe dropped something gleamy in front of her.
    She waited till Herla would wake up.
Or did she?


"This is an Eye. Cat's Eye."

"Ever heard of cats before?"

"They are truly mystical creatures. It is said that cats can see the unseen."

"With this Cat's Eye, none of the nightmare terrors will dare to creep around."

"The cats will see to it."


- I will see to it -



    The doe was left sleeping alone, only with her two more heartbeats dreaming about the life that awaits them. The night still had a long time to its end, but since then it was dark no more. Not for the felines.
    And in the mossy grass beside her laid a round shaped gem, green like the eyes of the deer, who brought it here. The surface of the stone was smooth, disrupted only with one straight scratch, where its originator dug it from the water. Light refracts in this groove, disappearing somewhere deep into the stone, resembling a black narrowed pupil.

- - - - -

(Huh, not sure if this is exactly what you wants, but it was fun writing it. By the way, the inspiration for choosing this kind of stone comes from this book. Just in case you're interested.)

The golden doe approached


The golden doe approached carefully.
She was nervous, one could tell, her green eyes unsure.
She stopped in front of the dark doe, and gave a formal greeting.

Gathering up courage, she finally spoke.
Her voice was quiet, gentle,
but she seemed determined all the same.

"I heard you needed stones.
Stones that would protect, that would guard new life.
And even though we barely know each other,
I believe that you deserve more than just a simple rock.

This is all I have to offer."


Then she took the amulet from her neck,
and held the gem at eye level of the smaller doe.



"Perhaps it means nothing to you,
But it means very much to me.
I don't know if it's really magic,
but I have noticed that while I wear it,
I seem to be able to avoid much harm.

I believe that it could help protect you and your unborn.
Do what you will with it. hang it somewhere,
around your neck, hide it among the flowers...
All I ask is that I can retrieve it when its purpose is fulfilled here.

And if I could say one more thing...
Please don't make the mistake I made.
Always tell your children, wether your own or adopted,
Always remind them that you love them.
No matter what.
"


With that, the golden doe walked away.


Apeldille's picture

The large raven stag had

The large raven stag had collected two stones, and would give them to the doe later.



Posting this here too. :]

Seed's picture

Seed spotted Herla among the

Seed spotted Herla among the flowers. He cleared his throat uneasily, trying to broach a subject with someone whom, though they had met before, had never seemed to bear him any mind.

"Oh, hello there. I was looking for you -- I had heard you needed stones, and thought...That perhaps one thing born of love could help protect another. Oh, I'm sorry...I suppose the two really aren't comparable, but... Well, maybe my work with this stone will help all the same."

He was carrying on his back a small stone wrapped up in leaves: it was from the base of the bridge where he slept, and he had picked it because a single blue stone, like a jewel, sat in the center. Around it, he had written these words.

Little river-stone,
form a shield from life's currents
for those in your lee.

Little river-stone,
absorb love like warm sunshine:
keep that warmth always.

Where you once held old,
please give that strength to the new,
Little River-stone.
Jalini's picture

Jalini sat quietly beneath

Jalini sat quietly beneath the ferns, she had heard chatter around the forest about stones and now she watched in silence as visitors came to meet the doe. All left a gift, a pebble, a stone, a gem. Each one a trinket to ward against evil or a token of protection.

Slowly and delicately her long slender antlers began to curl inward, wrapping themselves together in a tight bundle. She smiled and nodded to herself before drifting off to sleep; perhaps she would contribute to this lovely little ceremony after all.
That morning she emerged from her place among the ferns, her antlers gradually unfurling as she moved, until only a tiny bundle was left at the very tip. Approaching the doe with a soft smile and a graceful bow she offered no words but in instead allowed her antlers to open and drop the tiny gift at the doe’s feet.

A symbol of purity and beauty, the shiny surface of the smooth white pearl reflected the morning light with a gentle glow.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Drawing was never my strong

Drawing was never my strong suit. :/

----

She approached carefully, ears bent low along with her head. Her tail was nearly curled inwards; she was the complete picture of submission - it was the only way she could convey that she wasn't a threat, as much as she loathed having to do it.

There was a light smile on her face, however, as she neared, eying the mother's stomach. Her ears pricked forward ever so slightly, as if trying to pick out their heartbeats, the sound of them kicking the wall of their mother's womb. She would never admit it out loud, but she loved children, and the sounds and gestures they made.

She was there to bring a gift; in her mouth was a thin chain, a bright gem hanging on its end. Her voice was quiet, but warm.

The Diamond is my birth stone, you know. I was born in April. She placed the diamond in front of the doe, watching it as it shimmered in the light. May it bring you good fortune, Herla. I can't wait to see your children.

With a slightly wider smile, she turned, heading for Home.
Sighthoundlady's picture

(Global Beauty) Herla stood

(Global Beauty)
Herla stood and bowed in recognition of the blue doe’s gracious offering, her feathers spreading out like a fan from her crown over her shoulders, they had grown more full just as her belly was growing more full with the magic of creation coursing through her.

The feathered doe carefully picked up the leaf covered rock and gently placed it in the crook of the tree near where she rested. The blue doe’s good will could be felt upon it’s surface.

“This is a welcomed gift,” Herla said, not commenting on the revelation that there in fact might be two fawns growing now inside her, a feeling she had begun to feel more surely herself but could not confirm with certainty. A tilt of her head and a nod was all she would show.

“I thank you for your blessings. May light follow you always.”
----------------------------
(Quadraptor)
The little black doe listened intently as the blackbuck presented the odd rock that was a “fossil.” She peered at it curiously, seeing the clear form of something that was once alive now embodied in stone. The pulse of that life still warmed it. She bowed in gratitude.

“I suiting gift, a stone that bridges life. A noble creature forever enshrined. I thank you for your blessings.”
----------------------------
(Crowesie)
Herla stood at the creature’s approach, its predatory appearance making her wary. But at the offering of the gift she bows and accepts it graciously, taking the beautiful pink hued crystalline rock given by the creature, its good will apparent.
“I thank you.”
----------------------------
(anons)
The little feathered doe could not help but furrow her brow in confusion at the cavorting deer and the rhyming fawn. She shifted her feet a bit uncomfortably trying to discern what their intentions where. When it was apparent that they meant to present gifts she became more gracious. She looked at them with interest. They appeared very soft and cushiony. Things she much appreciated right now. A smile graced her features, “This is very kind. Thank you.”

----------------------------
(parrotsnpineapple)
Herla opens her eyes in time to see the retreating form of her friend and fellow feathered doe. Standing, she starts to open her mouth to call after her, but she is already disappeared amongst the trees. Stepping forward to follow her, a blue light catches her attention, drawing her gaze down. There, laying nestled in the ferns, a blue glowing crystal, tear dropped shaped, and lovely. She bends to inspect it, it’s energy palpable. Powerful, pulsing with life. It is a precious thing and she recognizes it as such. “Thank you,” she murmurs, hoping that Ravenflight knows of her gratitude.
----------------------------
(Anjali)
Herla watches the slim buck approach and present his gift. Another stranger that she does not know, but who clearly wishes her well. She looks at the tiny world rock, perfect in its tininess and imbued with good will and life. “It will serve well to guard life, thank you.”
----------------------------
(WonderfullySarcastic)
The black doe turned kind eyes upon the other small doe, as she presents a beautiful stone wrapped in leaves, a lotus blossom crowning it. Herla lowers her head to inhale the sweet smell of the blossom, it is one of her favorite flowers. She nods in greeting and as confirmation of all the other doe has asked, “I am expecting, and the stones shall help in their protection. This is a lovely and most welcome gift. I thank you.”
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(Skitties)
The sleeping doe’s lids cracked open enough to see the young oryx slip away through the trees. Two lovely new stones, one purple and one deep black, rested in the glade. The doe gathered them up and accepted them as the gift they were intended to be. “Thank you.”
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(Freyja)
Herla understands the other’s trepidation and bows to her to try and put her at ease. When a stone is presented, the little black doe examines it with interest. It is special in it’s own way and from the earth, it’s colors and spots catching the eye. Like with all the stones that have been given with good will, the energy of protection can be felt as the doe collects it up, “I think you. It will serve it’s purpose well.”
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(Momochi)
The pale fawn approached with a green stone in his mouth, Herla noticed his curious glances at her burgeoning belly. Glances she was only getting all too used to. She smiled indulgently at the fawn as he presented the lovely little jade pendant and with the untroubled cheer of youth, gave her a nuzzle, one which she returned, her heart was big for fawns. “Thank you, this is a wonderful stone, and I do hope I will be a good mother too,” she answered, a smile on her lips, a bit of mirth touching the corner of her eyes.
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(Phaios)
Herla recognizes the brown doe when she approaches and bows to her in greeting. She looks at the small smooth stone the other has presented and it is a long while before she can raise her head again to look at the other doe. When she does, tears glisten at the corners of her ruby eyes. “Thank you,” she says, her voice tight with emotion, “This means a lot to me, it really does,” she says as she gathers the stone, precious as the memory of her departed daughter-in-law, “I shall hold it dear, always,” she promises.

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[I'm still working on these replies! Thanks to each and every one of you for contributing! They are all very special. I appreciate it a lot! ]
Salome's picture

A study in scarlet "If one


A study in scarlet

"If one day someone would come to me and ask whether I know the most beautiful doe I would probably name Herla, the doe my heart calls a sister. I wouldn't only name her because she carries the most beautiful colors in her fur, also she truely has an inner beauty I enjoy seeing day by day. At first I have to admit that I had my doubts.
So feminine and elegant..

With one single look, with her scarlet eyes, she could easily bring the mightiest and coldest warrior to their knees. And the rich crown of feathers would make even the proudest peacock jealous.
How couldn't I see her as a rival? What was my clumsiness compared to her elegance? What was my brown fur compared to her radiant colors given by the sun itself?

But soon I had to change my mind. I got the chance to peek behind the colorful and bright face and study her heart. I saw a warm-hearted and motherly doe. So polite and patient. I misunderstood so many things! Yes my jealousy changed into admiration.

Of course no one is perfect and every deer carries two faces. But in my eyes their little quirks and faults make a being even more wonderful, more interesting.

So one day, I decided to visit the place she has chosen for the birth. Carefully I placed my own little present there. A golden heart. In my eyes it couldn't show better how I saw my dear friend. Forsooth she has a heart made of gold. But once you destroy the heart and with it the trust, it will never be the same again. I have chosen my gift wisely and I wish her and her mate luck and love."


Djinn
brocanna's picture

It was already night and

It was already night and quite a long time after the word had spread about the Gift of the Stones when Kaikias returned from his rather over-ambitious search. He had probably digged over half of the Forest, leaving holes and scratches in turf and soil. He found several pieces, gems and the like but was either never really satisfied with them or he saw something similar already placed by other deer at the place. He was exhausted and seemed even thinner when he gave up the search. With gems all around the place the buck mentally waved goodbye to his goal of finding the finest stone ever for Herla. So he wondered if he could at least find something very special.

Kaikias suddenly remembered that he saw a pretty ugly rock in one of the first holes, the soil around it was of a strange grey-black and it was very hard to even scratch the material around the stone. There were small black stones all around the site, perfectly rounded. The rock itself had a dulled black surface, but some splinters of a copper were shining through it. When he found it in the first place the buck did not find it really worthy of presenting it, it was something very - special... oddly special, but nothing fine. Now he thought that you could at least tell at once that there was not another stone like it anywhere around the future birthplace and maybe not even in the Forest. So he returned to the place where he found it, diggin it up.

The rock was about as big as his foot and of a strange shape. One side was perfectly smooth while the other side was fissured and jagged badly. It actually looked like it was made of dirty water frozen in motion. The whole rock was covered by this strange dull ashen patina that Kaikias started to scrape it off hoping to uncover more of the copper. But underneath the patina he found more blackish and blue shimmering material and the coppery tone where light reflexes on that dark ground, definately some kind of metal. Kaikias brought it to the creek vigorously cleaning the stone in water and sand, probably for several hours without paying attention to his fatigue. Some of the fissures cracked through the stone and some loose parts of soil broke off. When he brought it to the birth place finally it looked very differrent. Fine even. Kaikias thought self-satisfied.



There was noone there when he finally arrived at the spot where all the other deer had already placed their stones. It seemed very peaceful to him and inviting. There, somewhere between higher grass and plants he placed the stone carefully. It shimmered softly in the faint light and seemed to have facets mirroring the forest faintly, while other parts where just dark. Scattered in between lay some small pale green half gems sticking out of black material or covered inside of deep dark holes on the back side of the stone. Inside of his head there was a strange sensation, a humming sound. He did not know if it was his mind playing tricks on him, if it was exhaustion, or if he was going mad. It was impossible for him to tell. He was too tired to care for that now.




Kaikias tilted his head and nodded. Then he vanished between the bushes to seek a place to sleep.




(the stone is a Pallasite, a metal meteroite with tiny olivin fragments, if the sound that Kaikias can hear is only audible for him or only a hallucination is not for me to decide)

Keyblade's picture

A rustle in the brush, a

A rustle in the brush, a quiet sound of hooves against the ground. Elijah turned a corner, looking at the sleeping Herla and within his grasp he held a stone about 4 inches across. A piece of blue Tourmaline.

"I wish you nothing but safety and good health. I apologize for my previous actions." The young stag whispered, as not wake her as he set the stone down in the flowers, about 10 feet from her.

Turning, he moved back into the darkness of the forest, picking back up into a trot as he headed back towards his home in the ruins.

Oh dear! Has the stone

Oh dear! Has the stone gifting event ended or may more be brought? I do want Kyria to contribute!
Sighthoundlady's picture

Kyriang, people can still

Kyriang, people can still contribute! That's fine. Herla is not due for another month. ^^

Wonderful picture. I was

Wonderful picture. I was wondering if you would let your character Herla make a brief cameo in the story that i'm writing. I figured I'd ask your permission before i complete my story.
Sighthoundlady's picture

Sure, Ladyjewel, I usually

Sure, Ladyjewel, I usually don't mind that as long as things are tasteful of course.